Panasonic GF1 first impressions

Normally I blog about photography rather than cameras, but this post is a bit different.

Panasonic’s highly regarded GF1 micro 4/3rds camera has been discontinued, and a new model, the GF2, has replaced it. So why the report of a GF1? Well, it’s because I’ve just bought one! I reckon that buying an outgoing model is a sensible option as it gets significantly discounted, and offers most of the performance of the new model. It’s true of the GF1. I also prefer the control dials on the GF1 to the touch screen controls on the GF2.

So what’s special about the GF1? Well, it’s small but packs a real punch. It takes interchangeable lenses and the sensor is much bigger than a compact digital camera so the image quality is there. It’s on Alamy’s list of approved cameras, so it must be good.

"Vibrant colour!" by Derek Gale

Here’s a shot with the kit 14-45mm lens of some pegs, a sheet and the blue sky. It’s really crisp and punchy. Using the rear screen to compose isn’t too bad in the sun, so the lack of an optical viewfinder shouldn’t be a real problem. Panasonic do sell an electronic viewfinder, but it’s not too good, and very pricey.

"GF1 stones" by Derek Gale

This still life of stones in a small bowl shows a lot of subtle tones. It will focus to about 1 foot, and the Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) makes using a small lens aperture easy without recourse to a tripod.

"GF1 abstract" by Derek Gale

For this abstract plant image, using a lot of camera movement during the exposure, I turned the OIS system off. There’s no point trying to get a blurry image if the camera’s trying to stop you!

"GF1 fruit" by Derek Gale

The GF1 has a hot shoe for fitting a flash gun, or in this case a Yongnuo radio flash trigger controlling a Nikon SB-800 flash. The flash was bounced off a grey ceiling to control the reflections, especially those off the shiny lemon. I’ve done a bit of colour control and vignetting in Photoshop CS5 to give a nice old-fashioned feel to the image.

"GF1 glass elephant" by Derek Gale

This last image is of a glass elephant and was set up in low light to see how the live view viewfinder coped. It was OK. As with the previous image I’ve fired a remote flash using a radio trigger. The flash was about 18 inches below and behind the elephant, which back-lit it very well.

So what are my impressions? So far, very good! I’m about to get the fabled 20mm f1.7 prime lens, so will give you a report about that at a later date.